I born in a tiny village called Elswick, a Hamlet so buried in the English countryside, one has ever heard of it.
Growing up my world was very small there were only 5 other kids in my class at elementary school and we very rarely traveled more than 10 miles and any direction, to the closest town. In the village seasons came and went crops grew and were harvested and the whole process started again, nothing changed much from year to year. Everyone knew everything about everyone.
So back then my dreams were very small and the thought of going on a long (2 hour) road trip needed lots of planning accompanied with a flask of coffee and large packed lunch. And my biggest dream was to own 3 acres of land and a 4 x 4 vehicle.
Although I have been in Canada for over 14 years I am still trying to overcome “island mentality”.
Since my integration into Canadian life I have overcome my fear of traveling farther than 10 miles but it has taken a little longer to have the courage to dream big.
And it was a TV commercial that gave me permission!
The ad was part of a volunteer recruitment campaign for the Vancouver Olympics and they told the viewer
“You too can go to the Olympics – Just not as an athlete”
Really I thought, I too can be a part of the Olympics – then it hatched the biggest dream I have ever had for myself.
I would like to take pictures of the Canadian Equine Olympic team in 2012 when it will be held back in the country of my birth England.
Now I just have to get accreditation and start saving for the ticket – hey but those are just details.
I read a little story the other day that really resonated with me and made me take a long hard look at how I live my life. I want to share it with you
There was once a busy shepherd girl, she spent her days rounding up stray sheep – her farther had taught her that if she focused on the strays the sheep would be safe. One day her sister went out to the pasture to help her with the endless task, Her sister asked - do all the sheep stray? No answered the shepherd girl only 16 ever stray. Why don’t you build a little fenced area in one section of the pasture for those 16 – then you’ll never have to chase strays again. She followed her sister’s advice and the shepherd used her time watching the docile sheep and trading commodity futures by cell phone and increased the family fortune manifold. This solution allowed her to achieve 20 times as much in the same amount of time with much less effort. So I began to ask myself a few questions regarding how I spent my time last year. 1. What did I learn to do better? 2. Which activities take up more of my time than I would like 3. Do I allocate enough time to enjoy family and friends 4. What would I like to be doing but don’t find time for 5. Can I think of solutions to make MUCH faster progress in any of these areas. I sat down with a pad and pencil and started to write lists - what I discovered was quite amazing. As a photographer I spend hours and hours processing and editing images - if I come home from an event with around 800 – 1200 images it means I have at least 2 full days work on the computer to get the pictures ready to up load to my web site. This is an area where I could certainly use a very creative solution My options - were a. take less pictures – to reduce processing time b. Employ someone to help me c. Post all the images on the web site “as is” d. Buy and learn “Apature” a pro editing software program that many wedding photographers use So now I have not only a few options but also a choice of solutions I am going to go with C and buy and learn the new software. But there are lots of other areas of my business - that I will apply the same method to. Maybe the story of the shepherd girl is one you can identify with - it certainly struck a cord with me.
Top 10 reasons to promote your dog to CEO Yesterday I explained my top 10 reasons for living the self employed life style. Today I am going to share with you why you should promote your dog to CEO of your company. 1. They are “The Perfect YES Man” always agreeing with whatever ideas you put forward. 2. Dogs totally endorse frequent “Power naps” – these are proven to add energy and enthusiasm to your next task. Have you ever watched how quickly and vigorously your dog can go from napping to hurling himself at the front door when the postman comes? 3. They realize the importance of fresh air and exercise – in fact they insist on regular walks - which really help clear your head. 4. Dogs don’t allow time stealers like e-mail , facebook, texting and chatting with friends on the phone to detract them from their main duties. 5. Dogs are always pleased to see you - even when you are really really late, in fact the later you are the more pleased to see you they are – I love how that works 6. Dogs don’t need you to “Dress for Success” in fact they will let you work in your PJ’s 7. Along with unlimited coffee breaks will be time slots for hugs and tummy rubs. 8. Most CEO’s don’t have a clue to the day to day running of a business so your dog will do just fine. 9. Your dog will never fire you - no matter how incompetent you are. 10. He doesn’t need huge bonuses or company kick backs – regular food and an occasional doggy treat and he is happy. So I would like to introduce you to the CEO of my company - Muffy
My Top 10 Reasons for being self-Employed I really like being self-employed, and not for all the reasons they tout in those “get rich quick scheme ad’s” like only work when you fell like it, take holidays whenever you like – enjoy the good life. Which for anyone out there who is self employed knows what a crock that is. Here are my top 10 reasons for choosing this life style 1. You can wear odd socks, and outrageous hats 2. You can change company policy or rules without going through at best a committee or at worst a firing squad 3. You can take as long as you like to get the job done – hey for me 12 – 15 hour days are the norm. 4. There are no Hitchhikers and Couch potatoes otherwise know as team members 5. No long bill shit mission statement to memorize – in the world of the self employed its simple “Sell or Starve” 6. Creativity versus crazy is all relative – usually it’s the relatives who call you crazy 7. Unlimited access to the company funds – if the pot is empty review number 5 8. Corporate headquarters are very conveniently located in my spare bedroom. 9. If I succeed - Yea me if I fail its probably due to the economy 10. Best of all no matter how badly you screw up its impossible to get fired
Ok maybe Excellence is a slight exaggeration on the advice I am going to share, but if you follow this simple tip you will defiantly be well on your way. Some wise old sage once said the definition of stupidity is to repeat the same actions and expect a different result. But for most of us we get stuck in our ways and it is very hard to change or even recognize that we need to change. This is especially true of people like me, who are self employed and spend a lot of time working by themselves. So I have devised a strategy – major corporations hold “Brain Storming Session” in fancy board rooms. But when the board meeting just consists of you and the dog. This is what I do. After each job I conduct Evaluations. Its just two pieces of paper one marked “What went well” and the other “what would my ideal outcome have been” I am a very optimistic person so I try to focus on the positive opportunities of what some might call mistakes. Then I write down everything I can think of - and I mean everything Sometimes ways to improve and achieve excellence are hidden in the small stuff. One of my greatest revelations on an evaluation excersise was after a miserable rainy 3 day event. – taking pictures in the rain is no fun. So what would have been my ideal outcome from this wet weather show? A dry place to take pictures from • So if I took a small “easy up tent” and put it up by the rail I could work in the dry and my equipment wouldn’t get damaged. • Plus I will make lots of new friends and contacts as people share my “Dry space” allowing me to hand out cards and sell more pictures. • I capture “All” those thrills and spill shots that bad ground conditions result in • Have a small case packed with a change of clothes and light weight waterproof pants, and a towel. If I hadn’t done my evaluation – this solution would not have been thought about. Very often the most simple changes reap the greatest results. I hope this helps you in your quest for excellence.
I have always loved to watch the National Geographic channel on TV and was in awe of those brave photographers who captured such stunning images of dangerous animals. Traveling to unmapped areas in the quest to reveal their hidden mysteries.
How dull and ordinary my suburban life seemed by comparison, and it was every day was the same old same old.
Until one day I spotted an ad for a photography course at our local college, without a moment’s hesitation I picked up the phone and enrolled.
Then the panic set in – you see the college was right in the city centre, and I have a serious fear of driving down town – now what was I to do. The thought of driving in all that city traffic brought me out in a cold sweat.
I considered taking the bus or a taxi cab but I decided that at 45 years of age it was time to face my fears.
My desire to learn photography was stronger than my fear and I set off to my first class. When I arrived at the parking lot I had to peel each frozen finger from the steering wheel I was so scared. But as the weeks passed it really did get easier and easier. I loved the photography classes and was hungry for more and more information so I took all the courses the collage had to offer both beginner and advanced. It turned out I had a natural eye for both light and composition. So I decided to couple my love of animals specifically horses and launch an Equine photography business – A Sharper Image – Photography a year later.
Once again I had to face my fear of driving into unknown territory as I traveled across Alberta to equine events working as the official show photographer, plus private shoots at farms and ranches. I don’t know what was more difficult, figuring out which lane I was supposed to be in downtown or deciphering range roads and township roads that all looked the same?
It was only my love of photography that forced me onward and forward.
To my ultimate adventure – when I finally conquered my fear of driving.
I heard of a wildlife guide in Montana, who would take out small groups of photographers in the hopes of getting close enough to capture images of wolves, bears, foxes even mountain lions.
This was my chance to live the life of a national geographic photographer all be it for a little while.
Full of excitement I called the number and booked a wilderness trip with him.
Then the reality struck me - how an I going to get to this remote spot in Montana. Driving was the ONLY option.
Once again my desire was stronger than my fear and planned my route. To make the 900 kilometer journey seem less daunting, I broke down the journey into 20 kilometer segments – after all I was comfortable driving 20 kilometers – all that was different was I just kept going.
Eventually I arrived at the lodge, tired but exhilarated I had done it – I thought if I can drive all the way from Edmonton to Montana I can drive anywhere. I was finally free from my fear of driving.
All it took was the click of a camera button and the desire to capture National geographic style pictures
To see more pictures from my “Big Adventure” and discover how a loud middle aged English woman could capture such amazing images.
I have a good feeling about 2010 But then I am an eternal opptomist and like to start each new year with new ideas and big plans for the future. Well this year is no different. The New idea I am most excited about is a brand new service I am adding to my Equine photography - it is called "Fun n Friends" Photo Party This will be an experience you and your friends will never forget - you will even have stunning photos top prove it. This is the perfect activity for Brithdays, graduations or theme / costume parties that include not only all your friends but also your horses or dogs. I will be posting all the details on my web site www.imagineitsold.ca If you desperatly want to book a party but the updates are not on the web - Please feel free to drop me a line and I will explain how it works and available dates I am very excited to offer - Fun n friends photo parties for only $25 per person - min 6 participants to my clients who are lucky enough to live in Alberta. But this is not the only New idea I have for 2010 - there is more to come, and I will be sharing them all with you. One of New Year's Resolutions was to post daily to my blog
